Nonprofit Awards County for Transparency on Website

A nonprofit organization dedicated to government transparency recently awarded Carroll County government for having a transparent website. 

Founded in 2008, Sunshine Review is a nonprofit located in Arlington, VA that, according to its website, is dedicated to state and local government transparency.

The Sunny Awards recognize governments that make transparency a priority, according to a news release.

"The winners of the Sunny Awards are cities, counties and school districts that proactively share the public information that empowers citizens and keeps government accountable to the people,” said Michael Barnhart, president of Sunshine Review in a statement.

For the 2013 awards, editors at Sunshine Review analyzed more than 1,000 qualifying government websites and graded each on a 10-point transparency checklist. They sought information on items such as budgets, meetings, lobbying, financial audits, contracts, academic performance, public records and taxes, according to the website. 

Eight states earned nearly half of the 247 Sunny Awards given. Carroll County earned an A- and was one of eight Maryland organizations awarded. Other local governments awarded include Gaithersburg, Allegany County, Frederick, Garrett County and Rockville.